Section A: Role of social media in achieving the Sustainable Development
Background
The 2030 Agenda was adopted unanimously by United Nations in 2015, as “a
shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet” (United
Nations, 2021). The agenda has three intertwined dimensions – economic
prosperity, social justice, and environmental
Choose two SDGs and provide background information for each.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 objectives adopted by
the United Nations in 2015 to promote a more equitable, prosperous, and peaceful
world. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and
YouTube have emerged as a powerful tools in achieving these goals, enabling global
conversations, mobilizing action, and fostering community engagement. In this
discussion will focus on two SDG’s Gender Equity and Climate Action.
SDG 5 - Gender Equality
Background Information
SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This
includes eliminating discrimination, violence, and harmful practices, ensuring equal
participation in leadership, and providing access to reproductive health and rights.
SDG 13 - Climate Action
Background Information
SDG 13 focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It
emphasizes strengthening resilience, integrating climate measures into policies, and
raising awareness about climate-related issues.
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Motivation on chosen SDGs
SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) are interconnected in several
ways, and their impact on people is multifaceted. It's important to address both
together.
Women especially in South Africa, particularly those in rural areas, are more
vulnerable to climate-related disasters, such as droughts and floods, due to limited
access to resources, economic opportunities, and decision-making power. For
instance, in rural areas, women make up a significant portion of the agricultural
workforce, making them particularly vulnerable to climate-induced crop failures.
However, promoting gender equality and empowering women can enhance their
ability to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, such as
sustainable agriculture practices and renewable energy adoption. Therefore,
promoting gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic
approach to effective climate action.
South African women are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges,
such as water scarcity and food insecurity, which can amplify existing social and
economic inequalities. South Africa faces both significant gender inequality and
climate-related challenges, addressing these issues is crucial. The country struggles
with high rates of gender-based violence and economic disparities between men and
women. In rural areas, many women depend on agriculture and natural resources,
making them more susceptible to climate impacts.
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Social Media's Contribution to Promoting SDG 5 and SDG 13
Raising awareness: Social media platforms facilitate the dissemination of
information, stories, and campaigns that highlight gender inequality and climate
issues. Notable Movements like #MeToo which raising awareness about sexual
harassment and assault, and promoting solidarity among survivors, # HeForShe, A
United Nations-led movement engaging men and individuals of all genders in
championing gender equality and #EarthDay have mobilized global audiences to
support these causes. Global movements have sparked awareness and action on
key issues like climate change and gender equality, inspiring collective progress.
Mobilizing action: Online communities and influencers use social media to organize
events, protests, and educational initiatives. For instance, Greta Eleonora Thunberg
a Swedish climate activist, she’s known for challenging world leaders to take
immediate action to climate changes. She utilized Twitter to inspire the global
"Fridays for Future" movement.
Influencing Policy and Behaviour
Social media's power to shape policy and behaviour is substantial, particularly in
advancing Sustainable Development Goals SDG 5 and SDG 13. By sparking viral
movements and fostering online activism, social media can drive meaningful reforms
and inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, and challenge the
unwritten rules, expectations, and standards of behaviour that guide how individuals
act within a specific group or society.
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Examples of Social Media Campaigns and Influencers
#BlackLivesMatter
This campaign is global and social movement that campaigns against institutional
discrimination towards black people, particularly police brutality, advocating for racial
justice, human rights and inclusivity.
#Act4SDGs
The campaign encourages individuals to act towards achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and share their efforts online, promoting accountability
and collective responsibility. Initiatives like AWorld, a sustainability App for Climate
Action that empowers individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices
and track progress.
#GirlsEducation
This is one of Malala Yousafzai campaigns frequently uses this hashtag to highlight
the importance of girls' education and share stories of girls who are making a
difference. Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls' education.
The Impact of Digital Activism
Digital activism has revolutionized social and political movements by enabling rapid
mobilization, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering global solidarity,
ultimately driving meaningful change and influencing policy decisions, regardless of
their location. Social media plays a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable
Development Goals, particularly in promoting gender equality and climate action.
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Section B: Create a Social Media Awareness Post
Facebook
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SECTION C: Self-Reflection
What message were you trying to convey?
I wanted to show the importance of promoting equal opportunities, challenging
stereotypes, and supporting education and empowerment for women and girls to
create a more inclusive and equitable society. We can all help by taking small
actions. My message was like we must empower women now act now for future
generations.
What inspired you to advocate for this specific SDG?
I chose SDG 05 Gender Equality, because it is a crucial goal that aims to promote
equal rights and opportunities for women and girls worldwide. I believe in a world
where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
Who is the target audience? And why?
My target audience is young people, especially those who use all types of social
media, especially Facebook. Young people are active on social media, and many of
them care about the environment. They can also share the message quickly and
help spread awareness.
How do you think your post would influence your target audience?
I think my post would inspire young people to think critically about equality, challenge
stereotypes, and support initiatives that promote women's empowerment. The
picture and short message are easy to understand, and the hashtags help the post
reach more people.
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Reference
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. UNDP. (2019). What are the Sustainable Development Goals? United
Nations Development Programme
Global Goals. (n.d.). Goal 5: Gender Equality
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